Chapter 45 - Footloose

Jorge hopped through the trees using Archer’s Step, brushing through the leaves as the storm finally broke above. The mobility provided by Archer’s Step was amazing and right now he needed it, as he was short a foot. He hadn’t expected Vallis to have such a powerful boosting Skill. Most gave a small boost that lasted quite a while. Vallis had instead used one that lasted a couple of seconds, but the boost had been huge, tripling the swordsman’s speed. Jorge hated to admit it but he’d been caught off guard. He was lucky all he’d lost was a foot. Thankfully it seemed like the boosting Skill had taken a lot out of Vallis, as the man had been a bit slower since using it. There was no way Vallis wouldn’t recover soon though, and then he’d need to be ready for another speed burst from the man.

That didn’t change his duty though. Aisling had things handled in the sky and though Jorge had expected Deverell to support him against Vallis, he knew he just needed to hold on and prevent the swordsman from rejoining the main battle. If Vallis managed to get back to the clearing he could turn the tide. They’d be lucky if all they lost was a Silver Badge team if that happened. So he kept up his dance, bouncing around the trees, draining his mana with Archer’s Step to keep himself ahead of the swordsman.

Any time Vallis tried to veer towards the main battle, Jorge rained arrows down on him, mixing them up between regular arrows, mana-enhanced ones and even a few poison ones. They, unfortunately, weren’t a strong poison as they were meant to incapacitate rather than kill. A couple had gotten through but Vallis wasn’t showing any signs of them having an effect. The paranoid bastard likely had a Skill for additional resistances against poison. Jorge knew that Vallis had competed in duelling tournaments as a swordsman, and it wasn’t unheard of for underhanded tactics to be involved. Poison especially. So it made sense that someone who had competed in the duelling circuit might have acquired a Poison Resistance Skill. Still, talk about fucking annoying.

Vallis had more than one movement-based Skill. The boosting one was obvious but he had another one that seemed similar to Charge, carrying him forward in a straight line. Coupled with Mana Slash that let the duelist match Jorge somewhat at range. As the swordsman made another approach, whipping off three Mana Slash’s quickly, Jorge found himself thankful for his passive skill Always a Way Out which allowed him to perform some incredible gymnastics and slip between the three mana blades. It also gave him a first row seat as he watched the three mana attacks carve half-metre deep gouges into the tree he was launching himself past. If this kept up he really might die. Where the fuck was Deverell?

Launching a few more arrows as he tried to make space again, his foot aching but fortunately not bleeding due to another of his passive skills, Survive at all Costs. That same skill was draining his mana to keep him from bleeding out and suppressing the pain, after all, a scouts job was to escape with the information they gathered, no matter what. But with the mana he was losing, he maybe had another five minutes in him, and Vallis didn’t look to be slowing down at all. He only had a short window to finish this, and on his own, he recognised that was impossible. He couldn’t win alone.

Thankfully by keeping Vallis at range, he was preventing him from using other Skills. Because there was no doubt he had them, but they were almost certainly passives or designed for duelling. Jorge kept a close eye on Vallis as they darted across the tree branches, managing to catch the moment Vallis’s muscles tensed this time as his opponent was suddenly next to him, sword slashing at his throat. Even catching the movement, Vallis had caught him mid-flight. For some that might’ve been a death sentence but Jorge angled an Archer’s Step at Vallis’s chest, launching himself away, flying horizontally through the trees. That was close! That was twice he’d almost died. Shaking off the fear he kept moving away from Vallis, keeping the duelist tied up with him.

Just as he was about to start cursing Deverell again Vallis paused, his sword flashing up and deflecting two daggers into the wood around him. Jorge stopped, landing on a branch to see what had happened and finally got his prayers, or curses he supposed, answered. Deverell stood on a branch and around him hovered six daggers, moving like the tails of a Scorpid on strings of mana. Thank the Gods the Dagger Dancer had finally made his appearance. Activating Forest Stealth, Jorge slipped into the foliage, taking out his only Hunting Arrow. He’d held onto it for this very moment.

Watching as Deverell closed with the duelist, he got to see firsthand the skill of the Assistant Guildmaster, and what a show it was. Deverell moved like a ghost, slipping around sword swings and mana strikes and even some blade explosion skill. Even when his back was turned to Vallis he seemed to know exactly where his enemy's blade was, his daggers flicking in and out. Vallis in turn seemed to be able to avoid Deverell’s daggers or deflect them, even knocking them into each other to stop the attacks. The intricate dance might’ve continued but Jorge had his chance now and he was just waiting for an opening as he began layering skills onto his Hunting Arrow. Charged Shot was first to increase the speed and power. Then came Penetrating Shot to punch through defences. Finally Conceal Shot to make the arrow more difficult to see, hear or sense.

The wait might have irritated others, frayed their nerves as they second-guessed their decision and timing. For him, this was just an old friend. He could wait all day if needed, now that he wasn’t under constant threat and pressure. Thankfully, he wouldn’t have to. Vallis was already somewhat tired out from their running battle. He would make a mistake soon and that would be it. Watching the elegant dance for another few minutes, he finally sensed the opening. Vallis released his exploding mana blade skill but Deverell had clearly been waiting for it and used it as cover to flick in a dagger from each side. Vallis was forced to step to the side to avoid one as he turned his back on Jorge’s direction to bring his sword around to deflect the second dagger. Jorge released the string, the arrow fluttering free without a sound. A second later there was a hole in Vallis’ chest the size of a loaf of bread. Deverell, taking no chances, followed it up with a dagger to each eye.

The once Mayor of Helmfirth fell from the tree tops without fanfare and Deverell gazed over at Jorge giving him an appreciative nod.

“You’ll want to hurry back, Jorge. Kiri and Nate joined the fight,” called out the Dagger Dancer, before vanishing, likely returning to assist the Silver Badge teams.

Jorge followed as fast as he could. He knew he was mostly out of the fight but if his daughter was in danger then he had a few more well timed arrows in him, and he’d put them in whoever threatened her. Then, and only then, would he consider what it was going to take to restore his foot. The thought already had him irritated as he hurried along using Archer’s Step. Kiri, why couldn’t you listen to me, just once?

*************

Nate stared in horror as Frick whispered those words. Kiri was dying. He frantically activated his Life Drain rune, carelessly targeting himself as he tried to stabilise his best friend. Even feeling the rune slowly sapping away his lifeforce, there was no change in Kiri’s condition as she thrashed as though having a seizure on the ground. He considered trying CPR but there was nothing obstructing her mouth. He had no idea what to do.

“Frick, help me. What’s wrong with her?” He wailed, his eyes wide as he couldn’t look away from Kiri.

“Soul Dissolution, Boss man. That’s what the girl said, right? Sounds like a spell that attacks the soul. Those things are nasty. Usually banned too. I think…I think she might be done, Boss…I am sorry…” Frick whispered the last of his words, blue floppy ears hanging down as he stared at Kiri.

No! Nate refused to accept that. There had to be a way. If only he could figure out what the problem was, understand what the spell was doing to Kiri. Maybe he could save her. Save her like she had saved him. Save her so she could live long enough to see that she was the hero that he already knew she was. Nate glanced at the flashing in the corner of his eye. His notifications! Maybe there was something in there that could help!

It was easy to find the Class Evolution notification. He’d expected it after all the processed mana he’d gotten from killing Torian. Just thinking about that brought bile into his throat but he swallowed the acid. There’d be time for recriminations later. He started reading through his options as fast as he could.

Congratulations! You have gained enough mana to undergo Primary Class Evolution.

Options curated based on achievements. Choose carefully.

Walk your Path. Reach your Goal. Become One with Mana.

Offered Class: Wandering Runic Mage (Legendary)
The Wandering Runic Mage has found that projecting runes is quicker than crafting them. Armed with their runes and the ability to modify them at will they devote themselves to this esoteric path that straddles the gap of Spellforms and Runes, creating their own destiny.
Stats/Level: +1 Intellect, +1 Magic Power, +1 Magic Control, +2 Channelling Speed, +4 Mana Reserve, +1 Mana Absorption, +5 Free Stats

Offered Class: Wandering Runic Battlecaster (Legendary)
The Wandering Runic Battlecaster searches the multiverse for new battles. Runes are their weapons and with enough of them, the diversity of their power makes them frightening to behold. A one person army.
Stats/Level: +1 Endurance, +1 Constitution, +2 Intellect, +1 Creativity, +2 Magic Power,  
+1 Channelling Speed, +2 Mana Reserve, +5 Free Stats

Offered Class: Wandering Runic Dungeoneer (Legendary)
Dungeons are both a gift and a task set forth by The System. The Wandering Runic Dungeoneer is able to conquer them without assistance, for what could henchmen and allies accomplish that the correct application of runes could not. Find Dungeons, take their wealth, align the mana flows!
Stats/Level: +1 Dexterity, +1 Endurance, +1 Constitution, +1 Intellect, +1 Creativity, +1 Willpower, +1 Perception, +1 Magic Control, +2 Mana Reserve, +5 Free Stats

Offered Class: Wandering Runic Artist (Mythic)
The Wandering Runic Artist is one who sees the patterns and truths of the universe and having seen them, found them so beautiful that they desired their creations to match. An Artist at heart, with a Runecrafters Skills they create masterpieces that capture the very essence of reality.
Stats/Level: +1 Dexterity, +1 Endurance, +2 Intellect, +2 Creativity, +1 Willpower, +2 Perception, +2 Mana Reserve, +1 Mana Absorption, +6 Free Stats

Continue Class: Wandering Runecrafter (Mythic)
The Wandering Runecrafter searches the multiverse for new runes and runic configurations. Never still, they have set foot in multiple universes and search for ever more esoteric ways to utilise runes.
Stats/Level: +3 Intellect, +2 Creativity, +3 Mana Reserve, +2 Dexterity, +1 Endurance, + 1 Perception, +6 Free Stats

Which Class would you like to evolve into for your Primary Class?

There were none that looked like they focused on healing. One was even just an option to continue in his current class. Amongst them though were two Mythic Classes. It was what he had been aiming for. One was clearer continuing on his current trajectory but taking it to the next level, a Mythic tier Wandering Runecrafter. The other, based on the description, was what he needed right now in this moment. One who sees the patterns and truths of the universe. Just maybe, a path towards saving his best friend. Without any further thoughts or second guessing, he selected Wandering Runic Artist.

Congratulations on evolving your Primary Class into: Wandering Runic Artist (Mythic)

Accrued Mana applied to Primary Class.

Level up…

Stats adjusted: +1 Dexterity, +1 Endurance, +2 Intellect, +2 Creativity, +1 Willpower, +2 Perception, +2 Mana Reserve, +1 Mana Absorption, +6 Free Stats

Skills Available! Please Select 3* Skills.
Class Skill Options:

Runic Artistry (Epic)
You have created art and you have created runes. Now, combine the two creating something both beautiful and powerful. Runic Artistry facilitates the creation of Runic Arrays. A sequence of runes in a pattern that agrees with your sensibilities and the multiverse. Decrease Mana Cost of Runic Arrays by 5% and apply 5% of Dexterity and 5% of Creativity to Magic Power for Runic Arrays. All values increase by 1% per Skill Level.

Enhanced Mana Reserve (Epic)
Spells and Skills. Most require mana and so the measure of a researcher, a mage, a warrior, is how much mana they can wield and how long they can last. For those lucky few, this Skill increases the user’s Mana Reserve by 5%. Increases by 1% per Skill Level.

Enhanced Magic Power (Epic)
A Spell is only as powerful as the strength of one’s mana. With enough Magic Power one can turn a gentle rain into a slicing storm or a campfire into a blaze hot enough to melt stone. For those lucky few, this Skill increases the users Magic Power by 5%.  Increases by 1% per Skill Level.

Enhanced Channelling Speed (Epic)
Having a large Mana Reserve is always useful, but what is the point if you can only draw forth a dribble of mana at a time. Truly powerful magic requires a truly powerful throughput. For those lucky few, this Skill increases the user’s Channelling Speed by 5%.  Increases by 1% per Skill Level.

Eyes of the Runic Artist (Mythic)
The Eyes of the Runic Artist reveal the truth of reality. The signature skill of the Wandering Runic Artist, this Skill lets them peer into the underpinnings of the world we live in, be it runes, sigils, spellforms or concepts. While active, the user will receive advanced information about whatever they focus on, parting the veil and revealing the truth. Information revealed grows with Skill Level, Perception & Intellect. Enhances Perception by 10%. Increases by 2% per Skill Level.

Walk your Path. Reach your Goal. Become One with Mana.

Reading quickly through the Skill Options he saw the Eyes of Runic Artist. It purported to allow him to see spellforms. Without waiting he selected Eyes of the Runic Artist. He hoped this would allow him to see what he needed, to understand what was wrong with Kiri. He was pinning everything on this decision, that it would allow him to save her. The System wouldn’t accept it till he had chosen all three Skills so he selected Runic Artistry and after a second of thinking Enhanced Magic Power. He might need more Magic Power to save Kiri and the other two were unlikely to help right now. Two new Notifications popped up and he pulled them up as he hoped one related to his Eyes of the Runic Artist.

Skill Synergy discovered between your Identification - General (Rare) Skill and your Eyes of the Runic Artist (Mythic) Skill. Subsume your Identification - General (Rare) Skill to gain 11 Levels in Eyes of the Runic Artist (Mythic). Proceed?

Skill Synergy discovered between your Novice Artist (Uncommon) Skill and your Runic Artistry (Epic) Skill. Subsume your Novice Artist (Uncommon) Skill to gain 8 Levels in Runic Artistry (Epic). Proceed?

Walk your Path. Reach your Goal. Become One with Mana.

Nate quickly selected Yes to both, placing his six Free Stats into Perception and then without waiting, activated his Eyes of the Runic Artist. The world changed. Where before there had been grass and trees, now there were energy flows and hazy shapes that hinted at underlying concepts. He could instantly tell that the grass beneath them was of common quality and that the taller trees were uncommon. He could see the aftermath of the flames and lightning that still lit up the sky further away as Aisling battled someone who could clearly match her. But best of all, he could see the shape of Kiri’s soul, and the spell swirling around her Class Core, hungrily dissolving the spirit of his friend. Glancing at the broken wand lying in the grass by Ember’s corpse he could finally see a way forward. Kiri wasn’t going to die on his watch. Not if he could help it!